WSES Orca News
Sunday, January 16, 2022
PAC Meeting this Tuesday
When to Isolate?
First, VCH has explained that contact tracing was a strategy that worked to slow the spread of COVID before widespread vaccination was available and it was possible because of the manageable number of cases. VCH has the highest vaccination rate in BC and BC is tops in Canada (BC is one of the top jurisdictions in the world). However, with the huge increase of Omicron cases and Omicron's much shorter incubation period (2-3 days), contact tracing has been abandoned because it is no longer an effective/possible method of control. The province has moved to a "self-management" model - the method historically used with other endemic diseases such as influenza. So, in school, students' families will normally not be contacted by VCH and advised to self-isolate because of an exposure/contact at school. This could change if VCH determines that a class/grade/school has enough cases to warrant action.
Next, the PCR tests that we are familiar with can no longer be provided quickly enough or in large enough numbers to address the wave of suspected cases. Self-tests (antigen tests) are coming to the K-12 sector very soon: MAYBE by next week. We are learning that antigen tests can often give false-negative results so other aspects of the self-management model must also be used (described as the Swiss cheese model - see below). Sometimes this includes self-isolation. We expect that the school's self-test kits will be for use with symptomatic people and NOT for those who do not have symptoms.
Isolation Instructions
But Who has Covid at School?
In spite of the confidentiality laws that we must follow, we also understand that some families will choose to share their child's Covid or isolation status with others.
Why am I Being Asked if My Absent Child is Sick?
Right now, with the onset of Omicron, we have been directed by VCH to ask that you inform us if an absence is due to illness (we do not ask what type of illness). This is done so that VCH can determine when school illness levels are above historical norms and might require further action by them.
If you leave a message to say your child will be absent but do not say if it is, or is not because of illness, we will have to call you back - so please let us know because those calls take a lot of time for Mrs. Clayton to make.
Thank you and take care.
West Sechelt Elementary
Email: jmarshall@sd46.bc.ca
Website: https://west-sechelt.sd46.bc.ca
Location: 5609 Mason Road, Sechelt, BC, Canada
Phone: (604) 885-2825